Fairfield must approve or deny ADU permit applications ministerially within 60 days under Gov Code §65852.2. Applications go through the Fairfield BUILD portal with site plan, floor plan, elevations, and Title 24 documentation. Typical review is 4-8 weeks. No discretionary hearings allowed for code-compliant ADUs.
California state law requires ministerial (over-the-counter, non-discretionary) ADU permit review within 60 days of a complete application. Fairfield's Community Development Department processes ADU applications through the BUILD online portal. Required submittals include a site plan showing setbacks, easements, utilities, and tree locations; floor plan and elevation drawings; Title 24 energy compliance forms; structural calculations for new construction; and fire-flow analysis where applicable. The city cannot impose discretionary design review, owner-occupancy requirements (except on JADUs), or minimum lot sizes greater than the zone's existing minimum. School-impact fees apply only to ADUs 500 sq ft or larger. Solano Irrigation District or city water/sewer connection fees may apply. ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from city development impact fees per state law. Building inspections include foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough, insulation, drywall, and final. Most code-compliant ADUs achieve final inspection 4-9 months after permit issuance depending on construction schedule.
Cities that exceed the 60-day review window may have ADU permits deemed approved by operation of law. Owner-builders who skip permits face stop-work orders, double fees, and inability to legally rent the unit.
Fairfield, CA
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